President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared the opening of a new chapter in the history of Edo State with the triumph of democratic values, as Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa was sworn in as governor and deputy governor, respectively.

Tinubu assured Nigerians that the country’s toughest economic times were now behind them.

Okpebholo thanked the people of Edo State for their great trust and pledged never to betray them.

The governor, who announced his first appointments, also unveiled a five-point agenda for the state.

Speaking at the inauguration, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, celebrated what he called “democracy in its truest form”, stressing the importance of popular will in shaping of the political landscape of Nigeria.

He said: “This atmosphere of joy and hope resonates with the voice of the people. This joyful joy, this resounding call for a better future, this is what democracy looks like.

He was optimistic about the country’s economic trajectory, saying Nigeria had already overcome its most difficult period.

The president said: “We have faced the most difficult days as a nation. We have moved back from the brink of economic collapse and are now entering a period of growth.

Tinubu called for reconciliation to address possible post-election differences in Edo State, saying: “While some may seek to disrupt the peace once the will of the people is expressed, every elected leader has a duty that extends to everyone, including those who could do it. voted differently or those who ran against them.

He particularly highlighted the evolution of Nigeria’s democratic journey, saying: “More than 25 years after our return to democracy, we have evolved, and today’s inauguration is further proof that no individual vote ‘has more value than another. »

On leadership qualities, he said: “It is often said that an honest leader is quick to see the legacy of the problems he inherits. However, what truly defines such a leader is not the magnitude of these challenges, but the sincerity and courage to face them. »

The mandate of the new administration, according to the president, went beyond partisan considerations.

“Senator Okpebholo is committed to building the Edo State you envision: a place where jobs are plentiful, education is accessible and robust, infrastructure is modern and healthcare is at a premium. the reach of every citizen,” he said.

Linking state-level governance to his administration’s broader national economic ambition, Tinubu said: “When we took office, we knew that securing the future of our economy would require serious reforms – reforms to ward off looming fiscal and monetary threats to stability. of this great nation.

“No political party has managed its own affairs with more unity and determination than the APC since we took over. »

The President described the transition in Edo State as a “pact of hope” positioning the state as important to Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth trajectory.

In a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President urged Okpebholo to work diligently to improve the standard of living of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his mandate.

Reflecting on the transition, Tinubu said after eight years under the Godwin Obaseki administration, Edo State was joining the ranks of the APC.

He stressed the need for Okpebholo to justify the trust reposed in him and APC, while fostering genuine democracy and effective governance in the state.

The President encouraged Okpebholo to empower the legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, stressing that a strong and independent legislature is essential to achieving good democratic governance.

Tinubu lamented the previous administration’s attempts to weaken the legislature, which hampered its effectiveness for much of its tenure.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conduct of the Edo State governorship elections and encouraged the commission to strive for even greater excellence in the upcoming state elections. Ondo, scheduled for Saturday, November 16.

The President celebrated the transition as a milestone and a new chapter in Edo’s democratic journey, and rejoiced with the people of the state on the momentous occasion.

Earlier, Okpebholo thanked the people of the state for their great show of confidence and vowed never to disappoint them.

“You voted overwhelmingly for me and I promise not to betray that trust,” he said, stressing that the new administration would focus on achieving rapid development and economic growth.

Okpebholo promised to implement a five-point agenda prioritizing health, security of life and prosperity, education, economic growth and infrastructure development.

He said: “Edo will be resurrected. My administration is committed to repairing the roads of our beloved state to make them passable again. We will ensure that our communities currently without electricity are connected to the national grid and lit.

He asserted that small business owners would be empowered to drive socio-economic growth, assuring the youth of the state that they would not be forgotten as they would be empowered to solve the problem of unemployment.

“We will provide soft loans to our traders to boost their trade,” Okpebholo added.

He assured state officials and the judiciary of a better future and promised increased respect for traditional institutions.

In his first appointments, Okpebholo appointed the son of former governor of the state, now senator, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, as Commissioner-designate for Health.

He also announced former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Samson Osagie, as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice designate; and Mr. Musa Ikhilor as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Okpebholo, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the nominations would be confirmed by the Edo State House of Assembly when conveyed by the governor.

Unveiling his five-point agenda, including security, infrastructure, health care, food sufficiency and education as priorities, he declared war on criminals.

The governor said: “The well-being of our citizens is a top priority for us. To achieve this, we will implement programs carefully outlined in my five-point agenda, designed to foster robust economic growth and improve the lives of our people.

Lamenting the incessant cases of kidnapping and other violent crimes, Okpebholo said his administration would be firm in fighting criminals and improving the security of Edo State.

He said: “Our people have long been victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes. To end this horrible situation, we will be firm in our fight against criminals and improve the security of our land so that agriculture and other commercial activities can flourish again.

On road construction and infrastructure development, Okpebholo said: “The deplorable state of our roads has made it difficult for people to move from one part of the state to another.

“Our road infrastructure development policy aims to build roads, drainages and bridges to facilitate transport for all. We will immediately begin work to make the roads passable again.

Okpebholo also said his administration was ready to support small businesses and women traders with soft loans.

He said: “We are also ready to collaborate with the Federal Government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, members of the diaspora and other stakeholders to develop our state in all sectors.

“Our young and teeming population will not be left behind. We will help them acquire relevant skills for their empowerment. My administration must immediately take action to recruit teachers and rebuild deplorable classrooms. Higher education will also be strengthened in many ways to ensure quality education.

“Dear fellow citizens, my administration is ready to connect communities that are not yet connected to the national grid to provide them with electricity.

“Our traditional institution must be given the necessary support to play its role as guardian of our rich cultural heritage.

“It is in recognition of this that my administration will support the decision of the Federal Government to retain the Oba of Benin as the sole owner of the returned items, which were looted by British colonial forces during the Benin Massacre of 1897.”

Sanwo-Olu congratulates Okpebholo

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Okpebholo on his swearing-in on Tuesday, describing his inauguration as the start of a new chapter in Edo State.

Sanwo-Olu, who is also the Chairman of the South West Governors Forum, urged the people of Edo State, at home and in the diaspora, to rally behind the new governor for the development of the state .

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu wished Okpebholo and his deputy, Idahosa, a very successful tenure.

He said: “Given his track record, I am confident that Governor Okpebholo will justify the trust that the great people of Edo State have reposed in him with better performance in his tenure, and I wish him a successful tenure very successful.

“I believe that Governor Okpebholo has the heart to transform Edo State. He is passionate about touching people’s lives and bringing meaning to the lives of the people of Edo State.

Deji Elumoye, Segun James and Adibe Emenyonu

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